Search - Akiko Kiyama :: Seven Years

This is the debut full-length release by Tokyo and Berlin-based Akiko Kiyama. Kiyama is a classically-trained musician turned electronic music composer and live performer. She began composing techno and performing live in Tokyo in 2002. Her first solo EP Dimension, was released on Sud Electronic in October 2004 and received great reviews by top world-class DJs. In November 2005, one of her tracks was licensed by M-nus and was selected by Richie Hawtin in his well-received mix, DE9 Transitions. She has also released music on labels such as Contexterrrior, op.disc, Safari Electronique, Revolver, and, of course, District of Corruption. Kiyama's last DoC record hit #1 on the Cisco Distribution (Japan) charts for techno. Seven Years is a milestone for Akiko, showing the depth and range which encompasses her composition. The album opens with "Hakobi," a minimal and concentrated sans kick journey. The two club stormers of the album are "Ant" and "I Was Weak In The Knees," which present a much stronger side of her production. "Isotope" is a crunchy percussion-driven number, while "Scattered" is a very aptly-named song with synths modulating in and out of key, also featuring the Japanese Shinto flute. "Bite A Plum" moves into softer spaces, drawing the listener in with complex percussions and space-y melodies. "Let Me Burn Your Book" is a rumbling sub-bass demon with minimal, fluctuating percussions. "Kebko In The Picture" has a perfect energy with hyper-modern percussion with S?hk" influences. "Sirsana" features very chic miniature percussives which drive an almost disco bass line. "You Won't Speak To Me" has synth leads which seem to rise and fall in pitch artificially, almost perfectly demonstrating a sense of personal frustration surrounding the subject matter. The album ends with "The Innocent," a truly unique, meticulous song, featuring traditional Japanese string and percussion while mixed with sweeping pads and almost jazzy hooks. Seven Years marks the culmination of Kiyama's personal journey into sound.